Adult Education School Holds Graduation
The Adult Education School [AES] held their graduation ceremony this week.
A spokesperson said, “The Adult Education School [AES] marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, as it celebrated the graduation of its GED and NCCER Core students. The event, sponsored by The Reefs [venue], coincided with the 95th birthday of AES founder, Merle Brock Swan-Williams, and showcased the remarkable achievements of learners, including many who have overcome varied challenges to pursue their educational goals.
“The ceremony, attended by almost seventy learners, graduates, and supporters, featured a keynote address by Dr. Ernest Peets, Chairman of the Adult Education School Board. Dr. Peets highlighted the importance of resilience, lauded the grit and determination of the learners and graduate, and acknowledged the community support that serves to empower both learners and the school.
“Arlene Brock, Managing Director at Adult Education School, opened the ceremony, setting the tone for an afternoon of celebration and inspiration. Graduate Mikhyla Ming delivered a vocal performance, and video presentations of learners, their parents and the organisation’s founder were shown. AES Board members in attendance, Charles Jeffers II, Oscar Andrade, Anthony Ball, Aaron Crichlow and Tim Jackson Jr. affirmed AES’s commitment to providing inclusive and quality education to adults in the community.”
In her concluding remarks Ms Brock noted: “In addition to their own hard work, learner success is a community commitment: best achieved with strong family support. Also, our tutors are Master Tutors who have taught at least two levels of education. They can therefore pinpoint exactly where each learner might have missed something in the past – so they are flexible to pivot and teach that issue before moving forward.“
This was the school’s first graduation ceremony since it relaunched in 2022 with just one tutor and a handful of learners. In the past two years, the school has grown rapidly to meet demand and currently has more than 75 active learners, with a total of six tutors.
Thaao Dill, Director of Programming, served as the master of ceremonies, guiding attendees through the evening’s program with warmth and enthusiasm. Tim Smith, who innovated the role of Pathways Coordinator, addressed the audience, acknowledged the board, and recognizing the hard work and dedication of learners, graduates, and supporters who have contributed to the success of AES.
Mr Dill said, “We couldn’t be more grateful and excited that AES’s first graduation since reopening in 2022, was such a resounding success. The joy, satisfaction and accomplishment felt by the graduates and their loved ones affirmed the work that we’ve done and the way that we’ve chosen to do it.”
Among the graduates honoured at the ceremony were:
GED Graduates:
- Adam Boukhloufi [not in attendance]
- Miguel Custodio
- Brooklyn Fox [not in attendance]
- Bianca Kromer [not in attendance]
- Jayden Gibbons
- Yuri Jones
- Daniel Marques
- Kiara Medeiros
- Mikhyla Ming
- Caterina Russo [not in attendance]
- Anthony Simmons
- Nakeah Simons
- Jibril Taylor
NCCER Core Graduates:
- Richard Bean
- Henry Bovell [not in attendance]
A spokesperson added, “AES has been a beacon of hope for individuals seeking a second chance at academic success for more than sixty-five years. With a mission rooted in social justice and personalised tutoring, AES has empowered over 4,000 alumni to become leaders in various sectors, contributing to Bermuda’s social and economic vitality.
“As Bermuda faces demographic, economic, and educational challenges, AES remains committed to its strategic mission of offering inclusive and quality education to individuals over 16 years old. Through partnerships with other alternative education and psycho-social providers, AES continues to leverage collective expertise and resources to support learners in claiming their stake in Bermuda’s future.
“For more information about the Adult Education School and its programs, please visit aesbda.org and donations can be made via ptix.bm/adulteducationschool.”
